Culture

These projects are the main pillar of the Culture sub-programme, accounting for 70% of the total budget, with the aim of improving access to European cultural and creative works and promoting innovation and creativity. They can cover one or more cultural and creative sectors, and may also be interdisciplinary.

The projects support transnational cooperation among organisations from the cultural and creative sectors of EU countries and beyond, through three categories of projects: 

• Small-scale projects: At least 3 partners from 3 eligible countries (EU grant up to €200,000 / max. 80% of total budget).
• Medium-scale projects: At least 5 partners from 5 eligible countries (EU grant up to €1,000,000 / max. 70%).
• Large-scale projects: At least 10 partners from 10 eligible countries (EU grant up to €2,000,000 / max. 60%). 

The maximum duration for all categories of projects is 48 months. Calls for funding of European cooperation projects are published annually on the Creative Europe website. Only legal entities are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply under this sub-programme.

 More information is available here.

This action supports translation, publishing, distribution and promotion of European literary fiction. Each year, approximately 40 projects are supported, translating and promoting 500 European literary works in at least 40 languages.

An important aspect of this action is the strengthening of diversity, achieved by supporting works written in less widely spoken languages in order to develop their distribution in larger markets across Europe and beyond. Furthermore, the action aims to promote and raise the profile of the profession of literary translation, as well as to strengthen the publishing sector by expanding cooperation within the book value chain (authors, translators, publishers and distributors).

All projects funded under this action must also consider inclusivity, diversity, gender equality, and environmental transition in their design and implementation.

There are three types of projects supported under this action:
 

• Small: covering the translation of 5 different titles (maximum grant up to €100,000 / 60% of the total project budget);
• Medium: covering the translation of 11 different titles (maximum grant up to €200,000 / 60% of the total project budget) and
• Large: covering the translation of 21 different titles (maximum grant up to €300,000 / 60% of the total project budget).

Calls for these projects are published annually and are intended only for organisations and consortia active in the publishing and book sector. Individuals cannot apply on their own.

More information is available here.

European cultural networks represent a key instrument for achieving the objectives of the Creative Europe programme for the period 2021–2027. The action aims to strengthen the capacities of the European cultural and creative sectors to address common challenges, foster talent, innovation, and progress, as well as to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Financial support is intended for projects implemented by renowned European/international networks of European cultural organisations, covering a wide range of countries participating in the Creative Europe programme. European networks play an advocacy and advisory role in cooperation and communication with the European Commission in the design and implementation of the European Union’s cultural policy.

A total of 37 pan-European networks of various sizes are co-funded under the programme, comprising thousands of members ranging from individuals to national and regional organisations working in the cultural and creative sector. These networks provide support to cultural organisations and professionals who contribute to strengthening the competitiveness and diversity of the European cultural and creative sectors.

More information is available here. 

This action provides support for collaborative projects by cultural operators that promote young artists and encourage genuine European programming of cultural and artistic works.

In general, the financial support under this action is intended for activities that:

• Encourage mobility and visibility of creators and artists, especially those with limited international exposure;
• Stimulate genuine European programming of cultural and artistic activities by facilitating access to non-national European cultural works through international tours, events, exhibitions, festivals, etc;
• Contribute to audience development and ensure the visibility of European values and diverse cultures.

European platforms are a key instrument for developing the careers of new talents and improving their working conditions. At the same time, they work to strengthen solidarity, participation, and access to culture, social cohesion, the promotion of artistic creation and cultural diversity, as well as the core values of the EU.

A total of 16 European platforms are supported under the programme.

More information is available here.

This is a new action under the Creative Europe programme that supports cultural entities – orchestras with a wide geographical scope (over 20 countries) – that provide training, professional development and performance opportunities for young and exceptionally talented artists. One of the main objectives is to ensure access to young audiences through live events and the use of digital tools.

In general, the financial support under this action is intended to:

• Support the professionalisation of young musicians by providing high-level career development opportunities through recruitment, training, tours, and performances;
• Encourage artistic excellence in the performances of youth orchestras;
• Support the activities of organisations and artists who act as promoters and ambassadors of EU values.

More information is available here.

Culture Moves Europe provides mobility grants for artists and cultural professionals (other professionals) in the following sectors: architecture, cultural heritage, design and fashion design, literature, music, performing arts, and visual arts. The goal is to support (emerging) artists and cultural professionals in establishing international cooperation and co-productions, thereby enabling their professional development and helping them build careers beyond national borders.

Culture Moves Europe is implemented by the Goethe-Institute in Brussels. For the period 2022 to 2025, the budget amounts to 21 million euros.

Culture Moves Europe offers two types of grants:

• Individual Mobility Action: provides financial support for individuals traveling between 7 and 40 days or groups of up to 5 people traveling between 7 and 14 days. Calls are open each year between autumn and spring.
• Residency Action: intended for organisations and established individual artists who regularly organise residency programmes and are interested in hosting artists and cultural professionals.

More information is available here.

Performing Arts Europe is a grant scheme dedicated to cooperation in the field of performing arts across the 40 countries participating in the Creative Europe programme.

It is an advanced funding line for the European performing arts sector, supporting inclusive, diverse, and green touring projects that enable connection and collaboration across Creative Europe countries. The financial support emphasizes sustainability and inclusiveness, aiming to contribute to the transformation of the performing arts sector and ensure distribution across the continent. Special attention is given to projects involving underrepresented groups, regions, and communities.

It is intended for organisations and individuals in the performing arts field to create partnerships and propose impactful touring ideas and models with a shared goal: to reshape how performing arts reach audiences in a more respectful, inclusive, and sustainable way.

Projects must involve at least three partners from at least three Creative Europe countries and must include at least one performing arts work (excluding live music) to be presented in at least three different Creative Europe countries.

The grant scheme supports three categories of projects: Small-scale partnership projects – up to €12,000; Medium-scale partnership projects – up to €32,000 and Large-scale partnership projects – up to €60,000.

This funding line is implemented by a consortium of European performing arts networks: the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM), the European Dance Development Network (EDN), the European Festivals Association (EFA), the Circostrada Network, Pearle – Live Performance Europe*, and the research organisation Idea Consult.

More information about the two calls published under this grant scheme can be found here

The European Capitals of Culture (ECOC) initiative was established to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and to celebrate the values we share as Europeans. Through this initiative, a sense of shared cultural belonging is encouraged and the important role of culture in the development of cities is emphasized.

Beyond its cultural dimension, experience has shown that this event brings numerous additional benefits. It serves as a catalyst for the revitalization of urban areas, strengthens the international reputation of cities, and improves their local image in the eyes of residents. Through new cultural content and programs, cities gain fresh energy, and tourist interest increases significantly.

Since its inception in 1985, the title of European Capital of Culture has been awarded to more than 60 cities across the European Union and beyond—each with its own unique story and cultural heritage, yet all united under the idea of Europe as a space for creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

More information is available here.

The European Heritage Labels represent key landmarks in the development of today’s Europe. From the dawn of civilization to modern European society, these sites celebrate and symbolize European history, values, ideals and the process of integration. Since 2013, sites have been selected based on their symbolic value, their significance in European history and the activities they offer. They contribute to bringing the European Union closer to its citizens.

More information is available here.

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards highlight the outstanding contributions of projects, initiatives, and individuals in the field of cultural heritage.

These awards recognize achievements at the European level in five main categories:

• Conservation and adaptive reuse
• Research
• Education, training, and skills
• Citizen engagement and awareness-raising
• Heritage champions

Each year, up to 30 heritage-related initiatives are honored through the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards.

More information is available here.

The European Heritage Days are a joint initiative of the European Union and the Council of Europe, launched in 1985. They represent one of the most widely celebrated cultural events in Europe with active public participation.

As part of the event, thousands of monuments and sites are opened to the public, including places that are rarely or never accessible for visits. Citizens have the opportunity to discover Europe’s rich cultural heritage free of charge and to take part in its preservation for current and future generations.

Each year, more than 20 million people participate in the event across over 50 European countries that are signatories to the European Cultural Convention.

More information is available here.

The EU Prize for Literature is an annual initiative that, since 2009, has been rewarding the best emerging authors from Europe and promoting linguistic diversity and literary excellence within the framework of the Creative Europe programme.

The award is given in a three-year cycle, with one third of the programme countries participating each year. A European jury of seven members grants five special prizes for literary achievement with international potential and selects one main winner. All nominated authors receive ongoing promotion across Europe, aiming to reach a broader international audience and connect readers beyond their national and linguistic boundaries.

More information is available here.

The EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award has been awarded since 2001 as recognition of outstanding architectural works realized across Europe. The prize highlights the importance of quality architecture for sustainable development and the well-being of citizens. It is awarded every two years. In addition to the main prize of €60,000, a €30,000 Emerging Architect Prize is also awarded.

More information is available here.

As a specific action within the Music Moves Europe initiative, the European Union aims to highlight and promote the diversity of the European music scene through the Music Moves Europe Awards – the EU Prize for Popular and Contemporary Music.

Since 2019, these annual awards have celebrated the success of young and talented artists who represent the sound of today’s and tomorrow’s Europe. The award is implemented by Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in partnership with the Reeperbahn Festival and is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme.

More information is available here.

The Music Moves Europe initiative became part of the Creative Europe programme in 2021. It promotes a diverse, competitive, innovative, and sustainable European music sector. Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs due to inflation, and the sharp increase in energy prices caused by Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine remain key challenges for supporting the music sector through Creative Europe. At the same time, the music sector is facing the global challenge of climate change and must contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. In line with the European Green Deal and as a complement to the EU's political agenda for culture (EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026), the latest Music Moves Europe 2025 call aims to support the green transition and environmental sustainability of the music ecosystem across the entire value chain—from creation to distribution.

The Music Moves Europe Talent Award is also part of Creative Europe. Several music-related projects are supported through cooperation projects, networks, platforms, and European cultural entities.

More information is available here